Invitatorium: A Liturgy of the Hours Player

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Ordinary Time

Friday of the thirtieth week of Ordinary Time

Friday · Weekday · Psalter Week 2

The Hours

Invitatorium

Now

Invitatory · 1:31

0:00 1:31

Lord, open my lips.

And my mouth will proclaim your praise.

Ant. Come, let us praise the Lord; in him is all our delight.

Come, let us sing to the Lord

and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us.

Let us approach him with praise and thanksgiving

and sing joyful songs to the Lord.

The Lord is God, the mighty God,

the great king over all the gods.

He holds in his hands the depths of the earth

and the highest mountains as well.

He made the sea; it belongs to him,

the dry land, too, for it was formed by his hands.

Come, then, let us bow down and worship,

bending the knee before the Lord, our maker.

For he is our God and we are his people,

the flock he shepherds.

Today, listen to the voice of the Lord:

Do not grow stubborn, as your fathers did

in the wilderness,

when at Meriba and Massah

they challenged me and provoked me,

Although they had seen all of my works.

Forty years I endured that generation.

I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray

and they do not know my ways.”

So I swore in my anger,

“They shall not enter into my rest.”

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Come, let us praise the Lord; in him is all our delight.

Matins

Now

Office of Readings · 10:54

0:00 10:54

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

As the cock’rel with his crowing

cleaves the darkness of the night

and relieves the fearful terror

of the night’s most gloomy hour,

we invoke you, God all-loving,

as we pray with humble heart.

While the midnight silence shrouded

and encompassed ev’rything,

while, indeed, all sleeping mortals

showed a likeness to the dead,

you descended, Light and Power,

watchful guardian of our kind,

That, O Christ, you might arouse us

from the sleep of vice and sin,

and release us by your favor

from the prison of our night,

then restore us to your friendship

in your endless light of life.

Praise to you and to the Father,

honor to the Spirit blest,

to the name beyond all sweetness,

to the holy will divine,

God of peace and life and splendor,

wholly One yet perfect Three. Amen.

Psalm 38

Ant. Lord, in your anger, do not punish me.

O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger;

do not punish me, Lord, in your rage.

Your arrows have sunk deep in me;

your hand has come down upon me.

Through your anger all my body is sick:

through my sin, there is no health in my limbs.

My guilt towers higher than my head;

it is a weight too heavy to bear.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Lord, in your anger, do not punish me.

Ant. Lord, you know all my longings.

My wounds are foul and festering,

the result of my own folly.

I am bowed and brought to my knees.

I go mourning all the day long.

All my frame burns with fever;

all my body is sick.

Spent and utterly crushed,

I cry aloud in anguish of heart.

O Lord, you know all my longing:

my groans are not hidden from you.

My heart throbs, my strength is spent;

the very light has gone from my eyes.

My friends avoid me like a leper;

those closest to me stand afar off.

Those who plot against my life lay snares;

those who seek my ruin speak of harm,

planning treachery all the day long.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Lord, you know all my longings.

Ant. I confess my guilt to you, Lord; do not abandon me, for you are my savior.

But I am like the deaf who cannot hear,

like the dumb unable to speak.

I am like a man who hears nothing,

in whose mouth is no defense.

I count on you, O Lord:

it is you, Lord God, who will answer.

I pray: “Do not let them mock me,

those who triumph if my foot should slip.”

For I am on the point of falling

and my pain is always before me.

I confess that I am guilty

and my sin fills me with dismay.

My wanton enemies are numberless

and my lying foes are many.

They repay me evil for good

and attack me for seeking what is right.

O Lord, do not forsake me!

My God, do not stay afar off!

Make haste and come to my help,

O Lord, my God, my savior!

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. I confess my guilt to you, Lord; do not abandon me, for you are my savior.

My eyes keep watch for your saving help.

Awaiting the word that will justify me.

From the book of Wisdom

Wisdom reaches from end to end mightily

and governs all things well.

Her I loved and sought after from my youth;

I sought to take her for my bride

and was enamored of her beauty.

She adds to nobility the splendor of companionship with God;

even the Lord of all loved her.

For she is instructress in the understanding of God,

the selector of his works.

And if riches be a desirable possession in life,

what is more rich than Wisdom, who produces all things?

And if prudence renders service,

who in the world is a better craftsman than she?

Or if one loves justice,

the fruits of her works are virtues;

For she teaches moderation and prudence,

justice and fortitude,

and nothing in life is more useful for men than these.

Or again, if one yearns for copious learning,

she knows the things of old, and infers those yet to come.

She understands the turns of phrases and the solutions of riddles;

signs and wonders she knows in advance

and the outcome of times and ages.

So I determined to take her to live with me,

knowing that she would be my counselor while all was well,

and my comfort in care and grief.

For her sake I should have glory among the masses,

and esteem from the elders, though I be but a youth.

I should become keen in judgment,

and should be a marvel before rulers.

They would abide my silence and attend my utterance;

and as I spoke on further,

they would place their hands upon their mouths.

For her sake I should have immortality

and leave to those after me an everlasting memory.

I should govern peoples, and nations would be my subjects—

terrible princes, hearing of me, would be afraid;

in the assembly I should appear noble, and in war courageous.

Within my dwelling, I should take my repose beside her;

For association with her involves no bitterness

and living with her no grief,

but rather joy and gladness.

Thinking thus within myself,

and reflecting in my heart

That there is immortality in kinship with Wisdom,

and good pleasure in her friendship,

and unfailing riches in the works of her hands,

And that in frequenting her society there is prudence,

and fair renown in sharing her discourses,

I went about seeking to take her for my own.

Now, I was a well-favored child,

and I came by a noble nature;

or rather, being noble, I attained an unsullied body.

And knowing that I could not otherwise possess her except God gave it—

and this, too, was prudence, to know whose is the gift—

I went to the Lord and besought him.

Wisdom 7:7-8; James 1:5

I prayed for understanding, and it was given to me;

I pleaded for wisdom, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.

I valued her more than all earthly power or glory.

If anyone of you lacks wisdom, he has only to turn to God in prayer,

and it will be given to him,

for God gives generously to all and turns no one away.

I pleaded for wisdom, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.

I valued her more than all earthly power or glory.

From a work by Baldwin of Canterbury, bishop

The word of God is both living and powerful and much more piercing than a two-edged sword.

The word of God is plainly shown in all its strength and wisdom to those who seek out Christ, who is the word, the power and the wisdom of God. This word was with the Father in the beginning, and in its own time was revealed to the apostles, then preached by them and humbly received in faith by believers. So, the word is in the Father, as well as on our lips and in our hearts.

This word of God is living; the Father gave it life in itself, just as he has life in himself. For this reason it not only is alive, but it is life, as he says of himself:

I am the way, the truth and the life.

Since he is life, he is both living and life-giving. For,

as the Father raises up the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to those he chooses.

He is life-giving when he calls the dead from the grave and says:

Lazarus, come forth.

When this word is preached, in the very act of preaching it gives to its own voice, which is heard outwardly, a certain power which is perceived inwardly, so much so, that the dead are brought back to life and by these praises the sons of Abraham are raised from the dead. This word then is alive in the heart of the Father, on the lips of the preacher, and in the hearts of those who believe and love him. Since this word is so truly alive, undoubtedly it is full of power.

It is powerful in creation, powerful in the government of the universe, powerful in the redemption of the world. For what is more powerful, more effective? Who shall speak of its power; who shall make all its praises heard? It is powerful in what it accomplishes, powerful when preached. It does not come back empty; it bears fruit in all to whom it is sent.

It is powerful and

more piercing than any two-edged sword

when it is believed and loved. For what is impossible to the believer? What is difficult for a lover? When this word is spoken, its message pierces the heart like the sharp arrows of a strong man, like nails driven deep; it enters so deeply that it penetrates to the innermost recess. This word is much more piercing than any two-edged sword, inasmuch as it is stronger than any courage or power, sharper than any shrewdness of human ingenuity, keener than all human wisdom, or the subtlety of learned argument.

Sirach 1:5, 16

The source of wisdom is the word of God on high;

her ways are the eternal commandments.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

Her ways are the eternal commandments.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Almighty ever-living God,

increase our faith, hope and charity,

and make us love what you command,

so that we may merit what you promise.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

ACCLAMATION

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Lauds

Now

Morning Prayer · 10:23

0:00 10:23

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

O God, the light of heav’n above,

you open wide your great right hand,

to strew with light the firmament,

upheld by your paternal arm.

Already dawn has veiled the stars:

she lifts her streams of reddish gold

and with a moist and gentle breeze

baptizes earth with sparkling dew.

Now as the shades of night withdraw

and darkness fleeing, quits the sky,

the daystar, figure of the Christ,

bestirs and wakes the sleeping day.

O God, you are the Day of days,

and you alone the Light of light,

one God of pow’r throughout all things,

almighty Godhead, Three in One.

To you, O Savior, now we raise

our humble prayer on bended knee,

as with full voice we sing and praise

the Father and the Spirit blest. Amen.

Psalm 51

Ant. A humble, contrite heart, O God, you will not spurn.

Have mercy on me, God, in your kindness.

In your compassion blot out my offense.

O wash me more and more from my guilt

and cleanse me from my sin.

My offenses truly I know them;

my sin is always before me

Against you, you alone, have I sinned;

what is evil in your sight I have done.

That you may be justified when you give sentence

and be without reproach when you judge.

O see, in guilt I was born,

a sinner was I conceived.

Indeed you love truth in the heart;

then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom.

O purify me, then I shall be clean;

O wash me, I shall be whiter than snow.

Make me hear rejoicing and gladness,

that the bones you have crushed may revive.

From my sins turn away your face

and blot out all my guilt.

A pure heart create for me, O God,

put a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me away from your presence,

nor deprive me of your holy spirit.

Give me again the joy of your help;

with a spirit of fervor sustain me,

that I may teach transgressors your ways

and sinners may return to you.

O rescue me, God, my helper,

and my tongue shall ring out your goodness.

O Lord, open my lips

and my mouth shall declare your praise.

For in sacrifice you take no delight,

burnt offering from me you would refuse,

my sacrifice, a contrite spirit.

A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn.

In your goodness, show favor to Zion:

rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice,

Holocausts offered on your altar.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. A humble, contrite heart, O God, you will not spurn.

Habakkuk 3:2-4

Ant. Even in your anger, Lord, you will remember compassion.

O Lord, I have heard your renown,

and feared, O Lord, your work.

In the course of the years revive it,

in the course of the years make it known;

in your wrath remember compassion!

God comes from Teman,

the Holy One from Mount Paran.

Covered are the heavens with his glory,

and with his praise the earth is filled.

His splendor spreads like the light;

rays shine forth from beside him,

where his power is concealed.

You come forth to save your people,

to save your anointed one.

You tread the sea with your steeds

amid the churning of the deep waters.

I hear, and my body trembles;

at the sound, my lips quiver.

Decay invades my bones,

my legs tremble beneath me.

I await the day of distress

that will come upon the people who attack us.

For though the fig tree blossom not

nor fruit be on the vines,

though the yield of the olive fail

and the terraces produce no nourishment,

though the flocks disappear from the fold

and there be no herd in the stalls,

yet will I rejoice in the Lord

and exult in my saving God.

God, my Lord, is my strength;

he makes my feet swift as those of hinds

and enables me to go upon the heights.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Even in your anger, Lord, you will remember compassion.

Psalm 147:12-20

Ant. O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!

O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!

Zion, praise your God!

He has strengthened the bars of your gates,

he has blessed the children within you.

He established peace on your borders,

he feeds you with finest wheat.

He sends out his word to the earth

and swiftly runs his command.

He showers down snow white as wool,

he scatters hoar-frost like ashes.

He hurls down hailstones like crumbs.

The waters are frozen at his touch;

he sends forth his word and it melts them:

at the breath of his mouth the waters flow.

He makes his word known to Jacob,

to Israel his laws and decrees.

He has not dealt thus with other nations;

he has not taught them his decrees.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. O praise the Lord, Jerusalem!

Ephesians 2:13-16

Now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near through the blood of Christ. It is he who is our peace, and who made the two of us one by breaking down the barrier of hostility that kept us apart. In his own flesh, he abolished the law with its commands and precepts to create in himself one new man from us who had been two and to make peace, reconciling both of us to God in one body through his cross, which put that enmity to death.

RESPONSORY

The Lord, the Most High, has done good things for me.

In need I shall cry out to him.

The Lord, the Most High, has done good things for me.

In need I shall cry out to him.

May he send his strength to rescue me.

In need I shall cry out to him.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

The Lord, the Most High, has done good things for me.

In need I shall cry out to him.

Canticle of Zechariah

Ant. Through the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us.

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;

he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior,

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old

that he would save us from our enemies,

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers

and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:

to set us free from the hands of our enemies,

free to worship him without fear,

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High;

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

to give his people knowledge of salvation

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,

and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Through the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us.

INTERCESSIONS

Let us adore Christ who offered himself to the Father through the Holy Spirit to cleanse us from the works of death. Let us adore him and call upon him with sincere hearts:

In your will is our peace, Lord.

From your generosity we have received the beginning of this day,

grant us also the beginning of new life.

In your will is our peace, Lord.

You created all things, and now you provide for their growth,

may we always perceive your handiwork in creation.

In your will is our peace, Lord.

With your own blood, you ratified the new and eternal covenant.

may we remain faithful to that covenant by following your precepts.

In your will is our peace, Lord.

On the cross, blood and water flowed from your side,

may this saving stream wash away our sins and gladden the City of God.

In your will is our peace, Lord.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Remember us, Lord, when you come to your kingdom and teach us how to pray:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

All-powerful Father,

as now we bring you our songs of praise,

so may we sing your goodness

in the company of your saints for ever.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

Terce

Now

Midmorning Prayer · 9 AM · 5:25

0:00 5:25

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

Now, Holy Spirit, come, descend,

one with the Father and the Son;

come swiftly in and fill our hearts

with your full flood of holiness.

In mind and mouth, with heart and tongue,

with strength and sense, may praise resound,

May charity with ardor blaze

and kindle others with its flame.

Now through your presence may we know

and love the Father and the Son,

and you, the Spirit of them both,

may we profess throughout all time. Amen.

Psalm 119:73-80

Ant. Let your loving kindness console me as you promised.

It was your hands that made me and shaped me:

help me to learn your commands.

Your faithful will see me and rejoice

for I trust in your word.

Lord, I know that your decrees are right,

that you afflicted me justly.

Let your love be ready to console me

by your promise to your servant.

Let your love come and I shall live

for your law is my delight.

Shame the proud who harm me with lies

while I ponder your precepts.

Let your faithful turn to me,

those who know your will.

Let my heart be blameless in obeying you

lest I be ashamed.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Let your loving kindness console me as you promised.

Psalm 59:2-5

Ant. Protect me, my God, from those who rise up against me.

Rescue me, God, from my foes;

protect me from those who attack me.

O rescue me from those who do evil

and save me from blood-thirsty men.

See, they lie in wait for my life;

powerful men band together against me.

For no offense, no sin of mine, Lord,

for no guilt of mine they rush to take their stand.

Awake, come to my aid and see!

O my Strength, it is you to whom I turn,

for you, O God, are my stronghold,

the God who shows me love.

O God, come to my aid

and let me look in triumph on my foes.

As for me, I will sing of your strength

and each morning acclaim your love

for you have been my stronghold,

a refuge in the day of my distress.

O my Strength, it is you to whom I turn,

for you, O God, are my stronghold,

the God who shows me love.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Protect me, my God, from those who rise up against me.

Psalm 60

Ant. We are happy to be chastened by God, who heals us as he wounds.

O God, you have rejected us and broken us.

You have been angry; come back to us.

You have made the earth quake, torn it open.

Repair what is shattered for it sways.

You have inflicted hardships on your people

and made us drink a wine that dazed us.

You have given those who fear you a signal

to flee from the enemy’s bow.

O come, and deliver your friends,

help with your right hand and reply.

From his holy place God has made this promise:

“I will triumph and divide the land of Shechem,

I will measure out the valley of Succoth.

Gilead is mine and Manasseh,

Ephraim I take for my helmet,

Judah for my commander’s staff.

Moab I will use for my washbowl;

on Edom I will plant my shoe.

Over the Philistines I will shout in triumph.”

But who will lead me to conquer the fortress?

Who will bring me face to face with Edom?

Will you utterly reject us, O God,

and no longer march with our armies?

Give us help against the foe:

for the help of man is vain.

With God we shall do bravely

and he will trample down our foes.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. We are happy to be chastened by God, who heals us as he wounds.

Deuteronomy 1:31b

The Lord, your God, carried you, as a man carries his child, all along your journey.

Support me, Lord, according to your promise, and I shall live.

Let my hope in you not be in vain.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ,

at this hour you were led out

to die on the cross

for the salvation of the world.

We ask your forgiveness for the sins of our past

and your protection from all future evil.

Bring us to the peace and joy of that kingdom

where you live and reign for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Sext

Now

Midday Prayer · 12 PM · 5:30

0:00 5:30

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

O mighty Ruler, God of truth,

for days and seasons setting bounds,

you clothe with splendor morning light

and midday skies with brilliant heat.

Extinguish flames of bitter strife,

all harmful passion take away,

grant health unto our mortal frame,

and on our hearts bestow true peace.

Most loving Father, hear our prayer,

and you, O Christ coequal Son,

who with the Spirit Paraclete

now reign for all eternity. Amen.

Psalm 119:73-80

Ant. Let your loving kindness console me as you promised.

It was your hands that made me and shaped me:

help me to learn your commands.

Your faithful will see me and rejoice

for I trust in your word.

Lord, I know that your decrees are right,

that you afflicted me justly.

Let your love be ready to console me

by your promise to your servant.

Let your love come and I shall live

for your law is my delight.

Shame the proud who harm me with lies

while I ponder your precepts.

Let your faithful turn to me,

those who know your will.

Let my heart be blameless in obeying you

lest I be ashamed.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Let your loving kindness console me as you promised.

Psalm 59:2-5

Ant. Protect me, my God, from those who rise up against me.

Rescue me, God, from my foes;

protect me from those who attack me.

O rescue me from those who do evil

and save me from blood-thirsty men.

See, they lie in wait for my life;

powerful men band together against me.

For no offense, no sin of mine, Lord,

for no guilt of mine they rush to take their stand.

Awake, come to my aid and see!

O my Strength, it is you to whom I turn,

for you, O God, are my stronghold,

the God who shows me love.

O God, come to my aid

and let me look in triumph on my foes.

As for me, I will sing of your strength

and each morning acclaim your love

for you have been my stronghold,

a refuge in the day of my distress.

O my Strength, it is you to whom I turn,

for you, O God, are my stronghold,

the God who shows me love.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Protect me, my God, from those who rise up against me.

Psalm 60

Ant. We are happy to be chastened by God, who heals us as he wounds.

O God, you have rejected us and broken us.

You have been angry; come back to us.

You have made the earth quake, torn it open.

Repair what is shattered for it sways.

You have inflicted hardships on your people

and made us drink a wine that dazed us.

You have given those who fear you a signal

to flee from the enemy’s bow.

O come, and deliver your friends,

help with your right hand and reply.

From his holy place God has made this promise:

“I will triumph and divide the land of Shechem,

I will measure out the valley of Succoth.

Gilead is mine and Manasseh,

Ephraim I take for my helmet,

Judah for my commander’s staff.

Moab I will use for my washbowl;

on Edom I will plant my shoe.

Over the Philistines I will shout in triumph.”

But who will lead me to conquer the fortress?

Who will bring me face to face with Edom?

Will you utterly reject us, O God,

and no longer march with our armies?

Give us help against the foe:

for the help of man is vain.

With God we shall do bravely

and he will trample down our foes.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. We are happy to be chastened by God, who heals us as he wounds.

Baruch 4:28-29

As your hearts have been disposed to stray from God,

turn now ten times the more to seek him;

For he who has brought disaster upon you

will, in saving you, bring you back enduring joy.

With the Lord there is mercy.

And the fullness of redemption.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ,

at noon, when darkness covered all the earth,

you mounted the wood of the cross

as the innocent victim for our redemption.

May your light be always with us

to guide us to eternal life in that kingdom

where you live and reign for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

None

Now

Midafternoon Prayer · 3 PM · 5:40

0:00 5:40

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

O God, our firm and steadfast strength,

remaining in yourself unmoved,

you rule the span of daily light

and guide the course of all the hours.

Bestow at eventide a light

by which our life may never fail;

may endless glory be the crown

that follows on a holy death.

Most loving Father, hear our prayer,

and you, O Christ, coequal Son,

who with the Spirit Paraclete

now reign for all eternity. Amen.

Psalm 119:73-80

Ant. Let your loving kindness console me as you promised.

It was your hands that made me and shaped me:

help me to learn your commands.

Your faithful will see me and rejoice

for I trust in your word.

Lord, I know that your decrees are right,

that you afflicted me justly.

Let your love be ready to console me

by your promise to your servant.

Let your love come and I shall live

for your law is my delight.

Shame the proud who harm me with lies

while I ponder your precepts.

Let your faithful turn to me,

those who know your will.

Let my heart be blameless in obeying you

lest I be ashamed.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Let your loving kindness console me as you promised.

Psalm 59:2-5

Ant. Protect me, my God, from those who rise up against me.

Rescue me, God, from my foes;

protect me from those who attack me.

O rescue me from those who do evil

and save me from blood-thirsty men.

See, they lie in wait for my life;

powerful men band together against me.

For no offense, no sin of mine, Lord,

for no guilt of mine they rush to take their stand.

Awake, come to my aid and see!

O my Strength, it is you to whom I turn,

for you, O God, are my stronghold,

the God who shows me love.

O God, come to my aid

and let me look in triumph on my foes.

As for me, I will sing of your strength

and each morning acclaim your love

for you have been my stronghold,

a refuge in the day of my distress.

O my Strength, it is you to whom I turn,

for you, O God, are my stronghold,

the God who shows me love.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Protect me, my God, from those who rise up against me.

Psalm 60

Ant. We are happy to be chastened by God, who heals us as he wounds.

O God, you have rejected us and broken us.

You have been angry; come back to us.

You have made the earth quake, torn it open.

Repair what is shattered for it sways.

You have inflicted hardships on your people

and made us drink a wine that dazed us.

You have given those who fear you a signal

to flee from the enemy’s bow.

O come, and deliver your friends,

help with your right hand and reply.

From his holy place God has made this promise:

“I will triumph and divide the land of Shechem,

I will measure out the valley of Succoth.

Gilead is mine and Manasseh,

Ephraim I take for my helmet,

Judah for my commander’s staff.

Moab I will use for my washbowl;

on Edom I will plant my shoe.

Over the Philistines I will shout in triumph.”

But who will lead me to conquer the fortress?

Who will bring me face to face with Edom?

Will you utterly reject us, O God,

and no longer march with our armies?

Give us help against the foe:

for the help of man is vain.

With God we shall do bravely

and he will trample down our foes.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. We are happy to be chastened by God, who heals us as he wounds.

Wisdom 1:13-15

God did not make death,

nor does he rejoice in the destruction of the living.

For he fashioned all things that they might have being;

and the creatures of the world are wholesome,

And there is not a destructive drug among them

nor any domain of the nether world on earth,

For justice is undying.

God has snatched me from the bonds of death.

I shall walk among the living in his presence.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ,

you brought the repentant thief

from the suffering of the cross

to the joy of your kingdom.

Lord, when we die,

may we who confess our sins

be brought to you through the gates of heaven

that we may have eternal joy in that kingdom

where you live and reign for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

Let us praise the Lord.

And give him thanks.

Vespers

Now

Evening Prayer · 7:53

0:00 7:53

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

Eleven hours have come and gone

and day has sped to eventide;

let us with eager mind and heart

fulfill our debt of song and praise.

O Christ, our daily task is done,

the work we do in your employ;

now grant to all who tend your vines

the gift of glory you have pledged.

Bestow your help on all our work

and give us rest when work is done;

by wages that you grant us now,

endow us for our future gain.

O Christ, to you, most loving King,

and to the Father glory be,

one with the Spirit Paraclete,

from age to age for evermore. Amen.

Psalm 116:1-9

Ant. Lord, keep my soul from death, never let me stumble.

I love the Lord for he has heard

the cry of my appeal;

for he turned his ear to me

in the day when I called him.

They surrounded me, the snares of death,

with the anguish of the tomb;

they caught me, sorrow and distress.

I called on the Lord’s name.

O Lord, my God, deliver me!

How gracious is the Lord, and just;

our God has compassion.

The Lord protects the simple hearts;

I was helpless so he saved me.

Turn back, my soul, to your rest

for the Lord has been good;

he has kept my soul from death,

my eyes from tears

and my feet from stumbling.

I will walk in the presence of the Lord

in the land of the living.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Lord, keep my soul from death, never let me stumble.

Psalm 121

Ant. My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains:

from where shall come my help?

My help shall come from the Lord

who made heaven and earth.

May he never allow you to stumble!

Let him sleep not, your guard.

No, he sleeps not nor slumbers,

Israel’s guard.

The Lord is your guard and your shade;

at your right side he stands.

By day the sun shall not smite you

nor the moon in the night.

The Lord will guard you from evil,

he will guard your soul.

The Lord will guard your going and coming

both now and for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Revelation 15:3-4

Ant. King of all the ages, your ways are perfect and true.

Mighty and wonderful are your works,

Lord God Almighty!

Righteous and true are your ways,

O King of the nations!

Who would dare refuse you honor,

or the glory due your name, O Lord?

Since you alone are holy,

all nations shall come

and worship in your presence.

Your mighty deeds are clearly seen.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. King of all the ages, your ways are perfect and true.

1 Corinthians 2:7-10

What we utter is God’s wisdom: a mysterious, a hidden wisdom. God planned it before all ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age knew the mystery; if they had known it, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory. Of this wisdom it is written:

“Eye has not seen, ear has not heard

nor has it so much as dawned on man

what God has prepared for those who love him.”

Yet God has revealed this wisdom to us through the Spirit.

RESPONSORY

Christ died for our sins to make of us an offering to God.

He died to this world of sin, and rose in the power of the Spirit.

To make of us an offering to God.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Christ died for our sins to make of us an offering to God.

Canticle of Mary

Ant. Remember your mercy, Lord, the promise of mercy you made to our fathers.

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior

for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:

the Almighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him

in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,

he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,

and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel

for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

the promise he made to our fathers,

to Abraham and his children for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Remember your mercy, Lord, the promise of mercy you made to our fathers.

INTERCESSIONS

Let us bless Christ, the compassionate and merciful Lord, who wipes away the tears of those who weep. Let us cry out to him in love and ask:

Have mercy on your people, Lord.

Lord Jesus, you console the humble,

be attentive to the tears of the poor.

Have mercy on your people, Lord.

Merciful God, hear the cries of the dying,

comfort them with your presence.

Have mercy on your people, Lord.

Make exiles aware of your providential care,

may they return to their home on earth and finally enter their home in heaven.

Have mercy on your people, Lord.

Be merciful to sinners who have fallen away from your love,

reconcile them to yourself and to your Church.

Have mercy on your people, Lord.

Save our brothers who have died,

let them share in the fullness of redemption.

Have mercy on your people, Lord.

THE LORD’S PRAYER

Gathering our prayer and praises into one, let us offer the prayer Christ himself taught us:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name;

thy kingdom come,

thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

and forgive us our trespasses

as we forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

God our Father, the contradiction of the cross

proclaims your infinite wisdom.

Help us to see that the glory of your Son

is revealed in the suffering he freely accepted.

Give us faith to claim as our only glory

the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

Compline

Now

Night Prayer · 5:07

0:00 5:07

Examination of conscience

An examination of conscience is a traditional, optional part of Night Prayer, commended in the General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours (86), and the Church leaves its form free: a quiet review of the day, a familiar prayer of sorrow, or something longer. If you would like to be led, here are two to listen to and pray along with. Afterwards, return to Night Prayer.

Coptic act of contrition

11th Hour

If the righteous one is hardly saved, where shall I, a sinner, appear?! The burden and the heat of the day I could not bear because of the weakness of my human nature. But, O merciful God, count me among the laborers of the eleventh hour. For behold, I was brought forth in iniquities, and in sin my mother conceived me. Therefore, I dare not lift my eyes unto heaven. But rather I rely on the abundance of Your mercy and love-of-mankind, crying to You and saying, “Lord, forgive me, a sinner, and have mercy on me.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

O my Savior, hasten to open Your fatherly bosom to me. For I have wasted my life in worldly desires and pleasures, whereas the day has been consumed and far spent. Therefore, now I rely on the abundance of Your infinite compassion. So, then, do not disregard my revering heart which is exceedingly in need of Your mercy. For I cry out to You, O Lord, with reverence, saying, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in Your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called Your son, make me like one of Your hired servants.”

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

With full awareness and enthusiasm did I pursue every transgression, with all eagerness and diligence did I commit every sin, and of all judgment and torment I deserve. Hence, I beseech you, our Lady the Virgin, to lead me to repentance. For to you I plead and through you I seek intercession, and upon you I call to help me that I should not be put to shame. And when my soul departs from my body, please be present and attend to me, and defeat the conspiracies of the enemies, and shut the gates of Hades, lest they might swallow my soul. O you bride without blemish of the true Bridegroom.

12th Hour

Behold, I am about to stand before the just and righteous Judge, terrified and trembling because of my numerous sins. For a life wasted in worldly pleasures deserves condemnation. So repent therefore, O my soul, as long as you dwell on this earth. For the dust in the grave cannot offer any praise, and among the dead no one can remember, nor can anyone in Hades give thanks. Therefore, arise O my soul from the slumber of your laziness, and implore the Savior in repentance saying, “O God have mercy on me and save me.”

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Were this life on earth everlasting, and this world ever-existing, you would have had an excuse, O my soul. But now, if your wicked deeds and repulsive evils were to be exposed before the righteous Judge, what answer would you be giving while you are lying on the bed of sins and negligent in disciplining your body?! O Christ our God, before Your awesome seat of judgment I am terrified, and before Your counsel of judgment I am dreadful, and from the radiant light of Your divinity I tremble. For I am a wretched and defiled person who lies in bed, careless of the ways of my life. Yet, I take example of the tax collector’s penance, beating my chest and saying, “O God be merciful to me, a sinner.”

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O pure Virgin, overshadow your servant speedily with your help, keep the waves of evil thoughts away from me, and raise my ailing soul to pray and watch, for it has gone into deep slumber. For you are a capable and compassionate helper, the Mother of the Fountain of life, my King and my God, Jesus Christ my hope.

The Prayer of the Veil

O Lord, You know the alertness of my enemies, and You understand the weakness of my nature, O my Creator. For behold, into Your hands I place my spirit that You may shield me under the wings of Your goodness, lest I sleep unto death. Enlighten my eyes with the greatness of Your sayings, and raise me up to glorify You at all times, for You alone are the Good One and Lover of Mankind.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

O Lord, Your judgment is fearful, when people shall be gathered, the angels standing, the books opened, the deeds revealed, and thoughts examined. What will be my judgment, I who am entangled by sin?! Who will quench the flames of fire around me?! Who will enlighten my darkness except You, O Lord?! Have mercy on me, for You are kind towards mankind.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

O Theotokos, because we have put our trust in you, we shall not be put to shame; And because we have attained your help and intercessions, O holy and perfect one, we shall not fear, but shall drive out our enemies and disperse them. And, in everything, we take your great help to protect us as if with a shield. We ask and entreat you, proclaiming “O Theotokos” to save us by your intercessions, and raise us up from the darkness of sleep, in order to glorify through the power of God who was incarnate from you.

The Absolution

O Lord, all our sins we have committed against You in this day, whether in deed or in words or in thoughts or through any of our senses, please do forgive and pardon us, for the sake of Your holy name, O good Lord, Lover of Mankind.

Grant us a peaceful night and a sleep free of all worry and anxiety. Send us the guardian angel to protect us from all evil and every affliction and temptation of the enemy.

Through the grace, compassion and love-of-mankind, of Your only-begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through whom the glory, the honor, the dominion, and the adoration are due unto You, O Father, with Him, and the Holy Spirit, the Life-Giver, who is of one essence with You, now and at all times, and unto the age of all ages. Amen.

The Thanksgiving Prayer

Let us give thanks to the beneficent and merciful God, the Father of our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, for He has covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us to Him, had compassion on us, supported us, and has brought us to this hour. Let us also ask Him, the Lord our God, the Pantocrator, to guard us in all peace this holy day and all the days of our life.

O Master, Lord, God the Pantocrator, the Father of our Lord, God, and Savior, Jesus Christ, we thank You for every condition, concerning every condition, and in every condition. For You have covered us, helped us, guarded us, accepted us to You, had compassion on us, supported us, and brought us to this hour.

Therefore, we ask and entreat Your goodness, O Lover of Mankind. Grant us to complete this holy day, and all the days of our life, in all peace in Your fear. All envy, all temptation, all the work of Satan, the counsel of wicked men and the rising up of enemies, hidden and manifest, take them away from us and from all Your people and from this holy place that is Yours. But those things which are good and profitable do provide for us. For it is You who have given us the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the enemy.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, by the grace, compassion and love-of-mankind, of Your only-begotten Son, our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through whom the glory, the honor, the dominion, and the adoration are due unto You, with Him, and the Holy Spirit, the Life-Giver, who is of one essence with You, now and at all times, and unto the age of all ages. Amen.

From the Agpeya, the Coptic Orthodox Book of Hours (St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, Jersey City; text as published on copticchurch.net).

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

Examination of Conscience

A brief moment of silent reflection is made to examine one’s conscience and recall God’s mercy throughout the day.

I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault; therefore I ask blessed Mary ever-Virgin, all the Angels and Saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

HYMN

To you before the close of light,

Creator of all things, we pray:

Be our protector, keep us safe

in your unfailing clemency.

Incline our hearts to dream of you,

to sense your presence as we sleep;

as light returns, so let us sing

your praise and glory evermore.

Grant us the grace of health and strength,

renew our warmth and joy of life;

and let your radiant light dispel

the dreaded darkness of the night.

Almighty Father, grant our prayer

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who reigns with you from age to age,

one with the Spirit, ever blest. Amen.

Psalm 88

Ant. Day and night I cry to you, my God.

Lord my God, I call for help by day;

I cry at night before you.

Let my prayer come into your presence.

O turn your ear to my cry.

For my soul is filled with evils;

my life is on the brink of the grave.

I am reckoned as one in the tomb:

I have reached the end of my strength,

like one alone among the dead;

like the slain lying in their graves;

like those you remember no more,

cut off, as they are, from your hand.

You have laid me in the depths of the tomb,

in places that are dark, in the depths.

Your anger weighs down upon me:

I am drowned beneath your waves.

You have taken away my friends

and made me hateful in their sight.

Imprisoned, I cannot escape;

my eyes are sunken with grief.

I call to you, Lord, all the day long;

to you I stretch out my hands.

Will you work your wonders for the dead?

Will the shades stand and praise you?

Will your love be told in the grave

or your faithfulness among the dead?

Will your wonders be known in the dark

or your justice in the land of oblivion?

As for me, Lord, I call to you for help:

in the morning my prayer comes before you.

Lord, why do you reject me?

Why do you hide your face?

Wretched, close to death from my youth,

I have borne your trials; I am numb.

Your fury has swept down upon me;

your terrors have utterly destroyed me.

They surround me all the day like a flood,

they assail me all together.

Friend and neighbor you have taken away:

my one companion is darkness.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Day and night I cry to you, my God.

Jeremiah 14:9

You are in our midst, O Lord,

your name we bear:

do not forsake us, O Lord, our God!

RESPONSORY

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.

I commend my spirit.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle of Simeon

Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

All-powerful God

keep us united with your Son

in his death and burial

so that we may rise to new life with him,

who lives and reigns for ever and ever.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. Amen.

MARIAN ANTIPHON

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,

our life, our sweetness, and our hope.

To you do we cry,

poor banished children of Eve.

To you do we send up our sighs

mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.

Turn then, most gracious advocate,

your eyes of mercy toward us,

and after this exile

show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving,

O sweet Virgin Mary.

Also for today

Yesterday Compline

Now

Yesterday Night Prayer · 4:39

0:00 4:39

Examination of conscience

Coptic act of contrition

11th Hour

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

12th Hour

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The Prayer of the Veil

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The Absolution

Grant us a peaceful night and a sleep free of all worry and anxiety. Send us the guardian angel to protect us from all evil and every affliction and temptation of the enemy.

The Thanksgiving Prayer

From the Agpeya, the Coptic Orthodox Book of Hours (St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, Jersey City; text as published on copticchurch.net).

INTRODUCTION

God, come to my assistance.

Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. Alleluia.

Examination of Conscience

A brief moment of silent reflection is made to examine one’s conscience and recall God’s mercy throughout the day.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.

HYMN

To you before the close of light,

Creator of all things, we pray:

Be our protector, keep us safe

in your unfailing clemency.

Incline our hearts to dream of you,

to sense your presence as we sleep;

as light returns, so let us sing

your praise and glory evermore.

Grant us the grace of health and strength,

renew our warmth and joy of life;

and let your radiant light dispel

the dreaded darkness of the night.

Almighty Father, grant our prayer

through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,

who reigns with you from age to age,

one with the Spirit, ever blest. Amen.

Psalm 16

Ant. In you, my God, my body will rest in hope.

Preserve me, God, I take refuge in you.

I say to the Lord: “You are my God.

My happiness lies in you alone.”

He has put into my heart a marvelous love

for the faithful ones who dwell in his land.

Those who choose other gods increase their sorrows.

Never will I offer their offerings of blood.

Never will I take their name upon my lips.

O Lord, it is you who are my portion and cup;

it is you yourself who are my prize.

The lot marked out for me is my delight:

welcome indeed the heritage that falls to me!

I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel,

who even at night directs my heart.

I keep the Lord ever in my sight:

since he is at my right hand, I shall stand firm.

And so my heart rejoices, my soul is glad;

even my body shall rest in safety.

For you will not leave my soul among the dead,

nor let your beloved know decay.

You will show me the path of life,

the fullness of joy in your presence,

at your right hand happiness for ever.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. In you, my God, my body will rest in hope.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

May the God of peace make you perfect in holiness. May he preserve you whole and entire, spirit, soul, and body, irreproachable at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

RESPONSORY

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

You have redeemed us, Lord God of truth.

I commend my spirit.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit.

Canticle of Simeon

Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.

Lord, now you let your servant go in peace;

your word has been fulfilled:

my own eyes have seen the salvation

which you have prepared in the sight of every people:

a light to reveal you to the nations

and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:

as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

Ant. Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake, we may keep watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace.

CONCLUDING PRAYER

Let us pray.

Lord God, send peaceful sleep

to refresh our tired bodies.

May your help always renew us

and keep us strong in your service.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

DISMISSAL

May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. Amen.

MARIAN ANTIPHON

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy,

our life, our sweetness, and our hope.

To you do we cry,

poor banished children of Eve.

To you do we send up our sighs

mourning and weeping in this vale of tears.

Turn then, most gracious advocate,

your eyes of mercy toward us,

and after this exile

show us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving,

O sweet Virgin Mary.

Mass Readings

Now

Readings of the Day's Mass · 2:48

0:00 2:48

First Reading

Phil 1:1-11

Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus,

to all the holy ones in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi,

with the bishops and deacons:

grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you,

praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you,

because of your partnership for the Gospel

from the first day until now.

I am confident of this,

that the one who began a good work in you

will continue to complete it

until the day of Christ Jesus.

It is right that I should think this way about all of you,

because I hold you in my heart,

you who are all partners with me in grace,

both in my imprisonment

and in the defense and confirmation of the Gospel.

For God is my witness,

how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And this is my prayer:

that your love may increase ever more and more

in knowledge and every kind of perception,

to discern what is of value,

so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,

filled with the fruit of righteousness

that comes through Jesus Christ

for the glory and praise of God.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

℟. How great are the works of the Lord!

Gospel Acclamation

Jn 10:27

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;

I know them and they follow me.

℟. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Lk 14:1-6

On a sabbath Jesus went to dine

at the home of one of the leading Pharisees,

and the people there were observing him carefully.

In front of him there was a man suffering from dropsy.

Jesus spoke to the scholars of the law and Pharisees in reply, asking,

“Is it lawful to cure on the sabbath or not?”

But they kept silent; so he took the man and,

after he had healed him, dismissed him.

Then he said to them

“Who among you, if your son or ox falls into a cistern,

would not immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?”

But they were unable to answer his question.

Devotional Prayers

The words of the prayers

Prayer Before the Office

Lord, open my lips, to praise Your Holy Name. Cleanse my heart of any worthless, evil, or distracting thoughts. Give me the wisdom and love necessary to pray this Office with attention, reverence, and devotion. Father, let this prayer be heard in Your Presence, for it is offered through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord, in union with that intention with which you offered praises to God when on earth, I offer this Hour to You.

I offer this Hour in union with all of the Masses being said throughout the world, and I offer it for the following intention: ____.

Prayer After the Office

Blessed be forever the most loving Hearts and the sweet Names of our Lord Jesus Christ and of the most glorious Virgin Mary, His Mother.

O most merciful Jesus, I thank you with all my heart. Be merciful to me, a miserable sinner. I offer this action to your Divine Heart to be amended and perfected, to the praise and glory of your most holy Name and of your most blessed Mother, and for the salvation of my soul and of your whole Church. Amen.

To the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity, to the Manhood of Our Lord Jesus Christ Crucified, to the Fruitful Virginity of the Most Blessed and Most Glorious Mary, Ever Virgin, and to the Congregation of all the Saints be ascribed everlasting praise, honor, power and glory by every creature, and to us be granted the forgiveness of all our sins, world without end. Amen.

Blessed be the Womb of the Virgin Mary, which bore the Son of the Eternal Father.

And blessed be the Breasts which gave suck to Christ our Lord.

Our Father

Hail Mary